Sports: 2011 NBA Playoffs

Sports: 2011 NBA Playoffs

It's my favorite time of the year for sports: the beginning of the NBA Playoffs!!! This year is full of promise, and one of my favorite sports writers Bill Simmons (aka "The Sports Guy") believes it could be the best playoffs in over a decade. The primary storylines seem to be the big guns in the East (Chicago, Miami, Boston, possibly even Orlando) and the unpredictable West (with Denver, OKC and Portland all looking very dangerous). You also have the Knicks finally back in the playoffs, every real sports fan rooting against the Heat, and the Lakers going for another three-peat (which would be Phil Jackson's fourth - simply astounding). Without further ado, here are my picks for the whole thing, round-by-round, with some commentary:

Round 1: East

Chicago Bulls over Indiana Pacers (4-0)

The Pacers have an interesting roster, with a number of young players (led by Danny Granger, Darren Collison - who filled in so well for Chris Paul last here on New Orleans, Roy Hibbert, and even Tyler Hansbrough) who could form a nice nucleus for the future. But the Bulls are just plain superior in every way. Chicago's defense should suffocate Indiana to the extent that there's no hope at all for an upset.

Orlando Magic over Atlanta Hawks (4-0)

I hate the Atlanta Hawks. They resigned their best player to a ridiculous 6-yr contract, and the guy averaged 18 ppg this year. They have had loads of talent for several years now, and always get swept in either the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs. I hope they get destroyed so badly that the ownership finally realizes "hey! this isn't working!" The good news is, Atlanta lost their last six games of the season, while Orlando has quietly been looking pretty strong. The Hawks won 3 of 4 between the two teams this year, but Atlanta is great at shrinking in the playoffs.

Boston Celtics over New York Knicks (4-2)

This is the matchup everyone in the northeast is looking forward to. A lot of people are whispering of a possible upset here, but I don't think the Knicks have a shot at more than 2 wins here. Carmelo, Amare, and Chauncey give them a great start - but the rest of their team is pretty weak. Boston has not been the same without Kendrick Perkins; most significantly, Rondo has fallen apart. But their playoff experience and pride, not too mention chemistry, is way too much for this new Knicks group.

Miami Heat over Philadelphia 76ers (4-1)

Philadelphia has been quite a surprise this season. Led by the unspectacular duo of Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, they have overachieved under new coach Collins. But you need at least one potent weapon, either on offense or defense, to beat Miami. The Heat have really started to click in the 2nd half of the year, most notably giving the Celtics quite a drubbing. I think Philly could get a game here, but mostly because Miami will realize how much better they are and will take their foot off the gas for a moment.

Round 1: West

San Antonio Spurs over Memphis Grizzlies (4-2)

Now things get interesting. Both these teams were a LOT better this year than expected. Both are also dealing with injuries to key players; however, the Spurs will have theirs back soon, while the Grizzlies will not. If Manu were fully healthy, I wouldn't have the Grizzlies getting 2 wins, but I can see Memphis stealing another one while Ginobili gets back to full strength. I have not seen Memphis play at all this year, so I'm looking forward to watching what they can do in an actual game.

Oklahoma City Thunder over Denver Nuggets (4-2)

This could be the most exciting series in the 1st round of the playoffs. Both teams are very young and athletic, and the games will likely be pretty high-scoring. Unfortunately for Denver, they probably just don't have quite enough firepower, and aren't as good all-around as OKC. Durant and Westbrook are a scary combo. The Nuggets will make the Thunder earn their first postseason series victory, but earn it they will.

Portland Trailblazers over Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

The Blazers' bandwagon is getting so full it's probably about to fall off its axel. However, it's not hard to see why: they have a load of talent, and they've shown they can beat the league's best teams. The frontcourt combo of Aldridge and Wallace is scary, and while Brandon Roy is no longer a consistent star, he has his moments. Dallas was the team all the lower West seeds wanted to face; this is because they're basically just Dirk. Chandler has been playing pretty well, as has Terry, but it just seems like Portland has superior talent. We'll see.

Los Angeles Lakers over New Orleans Hornets (4-1)

My Lakers could not have asked for a better 1st round matchup. They dominate New Orleans even when David West is healthy, which he is not. Hopefully, this series will allow L.A. to get into the kind of rhythm that has won them two straight championships. Bynum's health is the most critical concern, but I also want to see Artest get back to his playoff form from a year ago and make sure Kobe can still take over the end of a game like he always has. They'll probably drop a game here because, well, they're the Lakers.

Round 2: East

Chicago Bulls over Orlando Magic (4-2)

Both teams may have a bit of a shock in the increase in competition over their 1st round foes. Orlando has played Chicago well this year, and Howard, as he does for just about every team, poses a matchup problem for the Bulls. But Chicago has such a disciplined defense that they will be able to shut down Orlando's perimeter shooting most of the time. For Orlando to have a chance, Jameer Nelson needs to make Rose work hard on defense, and also provide some scrappy defense of his own.

Miami Heat over Boston Celtics (4-3)

This is a matchup so many fans (including myself) are salivating over. Boston seemed to be in firm control of this matchup for the first 3 games, and then at the end of the season Miami just whalloped them. Rondo must must MUST make Miami pay for not having a decent point guard, and create offense for his entire team. It's quite clear that LeBron and Wade have significant advantages over their aging counterparts, Pierce and Allen. Still, Boston will not go down until every last drop of blood (er, sweat) has been spilt.

Round 2: West

Oklahoma City Thunder over San Antonio Spurs (4-2)

This is quite a tough one. The old guard, San Antonio, has done everything they can to stay not only competitive but in the upper echelon, despite their age. But I think that with the added toughness of Perkins, the Thunder now have more than the Spurs can take. San Antonio's defense is not what it used to be, and now they are facing two elite scorers, not to mention a very solid supporting cast in Ibaka, Harden, etc. I wanted to talk myself into the Spurs here, one of my favorite teams, but I just couldn't do it.

Los Angeles Lakers over Portland Trailblazers (4-3)

A LOT tougher matchup for the Lakers here. L.A. has had a lot of trouble playing in Portland, as far back as the Shaq era. That means they must make sure to hold serve at Staples Center, and there will be some very tense moments I predict; they may even have to steal a game back in Portland. Ultimately, I think the Lakers' experience, with Gasol and Bynum having fought so many wars against the Celtics and Kobe not facing any elite defenders, will get them by in a tough series.

Round 3:

Chicago Bulls over Miami Heat (4-3)

Another great series in the East. This is where (I hope) the Bulls will show that the superior team will overcome superior star power. Plus, Chicago may be able to play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, after Wade and LeBron turned them down last summer. I think LeBron and Wade's teammates (especially the cowardly Bosh Spice) will shrink against the Chicago defense, and leave them in a Butch Cassidy situation. Fortunately, what I hope for and what I believe will happen are aligned here.

Oklahoma City Thunder over Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)

Unfortunately, my hopes and what my brain is telling me are not the same for this series. Once again, I think it will be the Perkins addition that will get the Thunder over the top. He will be able to disrupt the Lakers' big men enough so that the Thunder can simply outscore them. And that they can do, because the Lakers have no answer for Westbrook, and I'm doubtful that Artest can guard Durant again this year the way he did last year. Here's to hoping I'm wrong.

Championship:

Chicago Bulls over Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3)

This should be an awesome championship series. I think it comes down to the Bulls' defense once again, and just being able to do all the gritty things required for victory. Derrick Rose will show his ferocious determination to win, one that will take even an inspired Durant by surprise. One hunch that I have, even if this series goes the other way, is that unexpected players on both teams are going to be thrust into more important roles than they're used to. But regardless, my prediction is that the Chicago Bulls will be the 2011 NBA Champions.

Music: Revolver (The Beatles)

Beatles Album #7: Revolver

Well, I guess we know why the number 7 is considered such a luck number. The Beatles waited a long time (by their standards) after Rubber Soul - eight months - to release Revolver, in August 1966. Rubber Soul was a big shock to the music industry: not only had The Beatles' music evolved significantly in a very short time frame, the level of quality throughout the album was stunning. Revolver just completely flipped it upside down. The variety of musical styles here make Rubber Soul look pedestrian in comparison, and the quality is even better. Many argue that this represents the height of pop music achievement in the 20th century. It's not hard to hear why.

1. "Taxman" (Harrison)

This track makes it immediately and obviously apparent that this is a Beatles album like no other before it. George kicks it off with a gruff, breathy 1-2-3-4 with the band warming up behind him, then a harsh guitar jumps in and Harrison is singing along in a very non-"She Loves You" style. This is a favorite track for many Beatles fans, although I'm not nearly as big of a fan. It's a good song, and shows George's continued improvement (see: Rubber Soul) as a songwriter. The Beatles give a superb performance all around, but from Rubber Soul on this is like saying it's cold in Michigan in the winter. George's vocal and harsh guitar form a great combo, and John and Paul add some fantastic harmony. The only thing that holds me back is that it's not my favorite melody. Still, a great opening track.

2. "Eleanor Rigby" (Lennon/McCartney)

It's hard to blame people for calling this song "Yesterday, Part 2"; although as iconic and great as that standard is, this song is even better. Starting off with the famous bridge ("ahhhh, look at all the lonely people!"), Paul kicks in with more emotional umph than we've come to expect from him. As he starts in with the verses, Paul gives one of his finest vocal ballad performances - which is saying quite a lot. It's restrained, yet powerful. George Martin's string arrangement is sheer genius, and it is impossible for me to imagine a more perfect accompaniment to Paul's amazing vocal. The melody here is just so gorgeous, something Paul does effortlessly, and The Beatles keep it to a sweet 2:07. Just so good.

3. "I'm Only Sleeping (Lennon/McCartney)

Lennon kicks right into his first track of the album, which is also the first to introduce one of its more prominent, mystical themes. The song lilts along pleasantly, accurately giving the effect of the title. I believe this is one of the first times John really begins to experiment with his vocal style - again, well-matched to the album's theme - and it's very effective here. The instrumentation gives a hint of foreboding, but this is offset by a very sweet backing harmony from the band. Ringo's shimmering cymbals and other percussion also lends to the atmosphere. The melody really just blends into this atmosphere, and so does not stand out but is quite good anyway. A good track that is a perfect fit on this album.

4. "Love You To" (Harrison)

And already George has his second song on the album! He continues the mystical theme by playing a sitar intro; when the main part of the song starts, the backing band is made up of Indian-style instrumentation, most notably the sitar and the drums. George sings this almost as if he is in a trance, and like John in the previous track, it's a perfect fit. When he hits the extended note "meee" and is joined by John and Paul, it sends shivers down your back. The sitar gets plenty more solo work throughout. I can't imagine how shocking this track must have been to people back in 1966. It doesn't get mentioned a lot, but this one, like "I'm Only Sleeping," is a good track that's a perfect fit for the album.

5. "Here, There, and Everywhere" (Lennon/McCartney)

Now for a slight change of pace. Er, should I say, HUGE. Paul drops back into the album here with his gentlest, softest, and one of his loveliest ballads. Backing harmonies from the band bring earlier Beatles to mind, but Paul's writing is now far beyond those days. Although more powerful than the writing is his vocal, which is almost impossibly high on the register (no auto-tune back in the day, though!). The lyric, as a friend once pointed out to me, actually has a bit of a theme that runs through other Beatles songs (like "If I Fell") of a rather possessive individual belying the gentle music. No matter: this is simply a gorgeous song, and all you need to do is listen to a couple pretty lyrics here and there and drift off with it.

6. "Yellow Submarine" (Lennon/McCartney)

This song is a bit like "Yesterday". I know, they sound nothing alike. But sometimes it can seem like they're just so huge in the public consciousness that the music itself is not up to the reputation. The way I've finally come to grips with this song is to try to block out that huge popularity (and really?!? This song?!? When there are SO many better Beatles songs?) and just remember that this is a Ringo song. When I think of it like that, yeah, it's a pretty damn nice song. Ringo gives a perfectly nice, pleasant vocal, and there is a good enough back part along with miscellaneous effects that the repetitive chorus doesn't have time to get too old. But I never want to hear anyone say that this is their favorite Beatles song. *Shivers*

7. "She Said She Said" (Lennon/McCartney)

Here's another really nice song that doesn't get mentioned a lot. I think we have a great combination of elements from the album, as well as symbols of the band's overall evolution. The thing that strikes me the most is the neat rhythm, led by Ringo's fantastic drumming. Also, we have a return of George's harsh sounding guitar (though not as extreme as on "Taxman"). And John shows his amazing ability to be brilliantly unpredictable in his composition; there are several tempo/rhythm/style changes that I did not expect but fit so well (just wait until the White Album). More fantastic harmonies from the band. Great song.

8. "Good Day Sunshine" (Lennon/McCartney)

At this point, we seem to have a pattern of George and John setting the album's theme, and Paul spicing things up with some brilliant songs (even though they don't match the theme). "Good Day" continues this pattern. Here we have our first piano-driven song on the album; in fact, I don't think there's any guitar at all. I can't think of too many comparisons, but it seems like something you'd get if you threw "Here, There and Everywhere" into a blender with a "Drive My Car"-type rocker. The verses are very care free, with some honky piano parts thrown in. The chorus seems like it was taken from the rocker and toned down, with some great echo effects at the end of the song. Not the strongest on the album, but a good diversion.

9. "And Your Bird Can Sing" (Lennon/McCartney)

This is actually one of my favorite straight ahead rock songs from The Beatles. Coming in at an efficient 2:02, "Bird" features more of George's heavy, harsh guitar playing that fits perfectly here, and he has a great intro lick. Lennon has a good lyric, driven by George's insistent guitar, then we get to the bridge and... George's guitar continues to lead. Wow, I didn't realize just how good it was in this song. Lennon gets credit for a good composition here, and Paul adds a great harmony, but it's George's guitar that really shines. It feels almost like they just kind of tacked this onto the album, but it is one hell of a tack-on if that's true.

10. "For No One" (Lennon/McCartney)

I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. This is probably the perfect song for a love that has just been broken. The melody provides plenty of regret and longing, but the backing instruments keep it from lulling into a depressive state. And what a simple yet gorgeous melody it is (it's Macca, what do you expect?!). The backing instrumentation is just great, with Paul playing an old-fashioned sounding clavichord, and then the keynote, a mournful yet bright French horn. This track is actually exactly as long as the previous one, despite the obviously huge musical differences. Back to my original point, this song is great in that it allows one to reflect on past feelings, yet emerge with a strange sense of hope. Sheer genius.

11. "Doctor Robert" (Lennon/McCartney)

*Frown* This is where Revolver comes closest to sounding pedestrian, and perhaps even worse. Yes, John, we know that you've started taking LSD; you don't need to write a song about your supplier. Really, the subject matter would only be an annoyance if it was incorporated into a cool song; but instead, John came up with the barest of vehicles for his lyrics. There is just not much going on here, at all. The guitar work here is probably the highlight (both John and George, I believe). This is the only song on Revolver I've ever skipped (OK, sometimes I skip "Yellow Submarine" too, if I have a headache).

12. "I Want To Tell You" (Harrison)

Not to fear, however, because George is here to get the album back on track. Once again, it's probably the combination of elements that makes this such a great track. George continues with his no-nonsense writing and vocal style - but this time, the main supporting instruments are a driving piano (I LOVE this) and Paul's bass. When George's guitar comes in, surprisingly it no longer has the harsh edge to it. George carries the vocal by himself for most of the song, but when John and Paul come in to back him up, it's brilliant. When I think about it, the composition is not really that strong, but the instrumental and vocal work is so superb here it more than makes up for it. George saves his best for last on the album.

13. "Got To Get You Into My Life (Lennon/McCartney)

Now we have a song that is only one of my three favorite Beatles songs. You know, nothing much. The first thing I have to say about it is that it has such a positive, uplifting feel to it. The guitar has an even smaller role here than the last track (but its debut is a brilliant touch). The song is driven by Paul's bouncing bass (again) and a section of feisty horns (TRUMPETS!!! and those other things... oh yeah, saxophones). I absolutely love Paul's composition here, and his vocal style is perfect for it. No, it isn't his achingly beautiful ballad voice nor his strong rocker, but that intense, lower register style that rises majestically when called upon. The verses build the anticipation wonderfully, and the pay off with the title unleashed is perfect. I even pay attention to the lyrics here! Just. So. Awesome.

14. "Tomorrow Never Knows (Lennon/McCartney)

And now, to conclude the album, we have perhaps the most perfect transition song of all time. Lennon busts out his acid-y style for the first time, and if "Love You To" knocked people's socks off, this one must have sent them through the roof. Sound effects abound, in an affectingly creepy, mysterious, sometimes haunting way. Ringo's drumming keeps the song humming along quite well, and Lennon chants the lyrics very much Harrison-style. There isn't a whole lot of variety, musically speaking, but the quick tempo and well-done sound effects keep it fresh and interesting (plus John's vocal goes through various distortions). This is The Beatles teasing, "what are we gonna give you next time?!"

Essentials: "Eleanor Rigby", "Got To Get You Into My Life", "Tomorrow Never Knows", "For No One", "I Want To Tell You"... for heaven's sake, get this album!!!

Weak(er) Songs: "Doctor Robert"

My Rank of The Beatles Albums So Far:

1. Revolver

2. Rubber Soul

3. Help!

4. A Hard Day's Night

5. Please Please Me

6. Beatles For Sale

7. With The Beatles